Verizon Offers National Messaging Plan Videos in American Sign Language

Verizon now offers information about its Nationwide Messaging plans in online videos in American Sign Language (ASL) to better serve customers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The videos feature Tom Boudrow of the Marlboro, Mass.-based Verizon Center for Customers with Disabilities, using American Sign Language to answer frequently asked questions about Verizon Wireless' Nationwide Messaging plans. The video clips can be viewed at http://aboutus.vzw.com/accessibility/nationwide_faq.html.

The Nationwide Messaging plans from Verizon Wireless are available for use with most consumer handsets, select personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smartphones, including BlackBerry(R) devices. For $34.99 monthly access, the new Nationwide Messaging plans on consumer devices include unlimited text, picture, video and instant messaging; unlimited Mobile Web access and unlimited data usage. Customers can also make voice calls for an additional 40 cents per minute. Customers who sign up for the $34.99 monthly access plan have the option of adding Mobile Email to their accounts for an additional $5 per month.

Customers with BlackBerry devices or PDAs can sign up for the BlackBerry or PDA/Smartphone Nationwide Messaging Plan for $54.99 monthly access, which includes unlimited text, picture, video and instant messaging; unlimited e-mail; unlimited Web browsing and unlimited data usage. Customers can also make voice calls for an additional 25 cents per minute. The Nationwide Messaging plans are available for all BlackBerry devices, the Verizon Wireless SMT5800, the Verizon Wireless XV6800 and the MOTOQ 9c.

Other Services Available
Verizon Wireless
offers customers with disabilities a number of other services. The Verizon Center for Customers with Disabilities -- with offices in Marlboro, Mass., and Oxnard, Calif. -- provides customers with disabilities tools and support specifically designed to meet their communications needs. In addition, Verizon Wireless provides 411 (directory assistance) free of charge to legally eligible customers with disabilities, as defined by federal law. The company also regularly enhances its corporate website to create a more user-friendly experience for visually- and physically-impaired individuals. Recent updates include improved global navigation, accessible online forms, and link and image descriptions -- all making it easier